Formulation and Development of Polyherbal Ointment containing Clerodendrum serratum, Solanum xanthocarpum, and Nyctanthes arbortristis Extracts and Assessment of Anti-inflammatory Activity in Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema Model

In this study, our objective was to explore the phytochemical constituents of Clerodendrum serratum (CS), Solanum xanthocarpum (SX), and Nyctanthes arbortristis (NA) and evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity. Subsequently, we aimed to develop a polyherbal ointment formulation incorporating these extracts. The phytochemical screening of the CS extract showed carbohydrates, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. Similarly, the SX extract exhibited the presence of all these constituents, along with the additional presence of alkaloids. The NA extract demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, and flavonoids. CS roots exhibited notable inhibition of inflammation at the given doses and periods of 1 to 5 hours, surpassing the effectiveness of the standard anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin. The polyherbal ointments were found to be greenish, non-transparent, and with acceptable pH. F3 formulation demonstrated excellent viscosity of 1200 cp, making it easy to apply on the skin. Furthermore, formulation F3 demonstrated exceptional spreadability, covering a diameter of 1.8 cm, surpassing the other formulations. Importantly, all polyherbal formulations were non-irritant when applied to the skin, as evidenced by the absence of edema or erythema upon application to rat skin. F3 formulation indicated no physicochemical variations in comparison to initial results in stability studies. Even after the 6-month stability study, the ointment formulation maintained a smooth and greenish consistency, signifying its durability and stability. These findings suggest that the developed polyherbal ointment formulation can be stored at room temperature without any additional requirements. Overall, this polyherbal ointment formulation represents a promising alternative approach to existing topical formulations for the effective treatment of inflammatory conditions.